end up

phrasal verb

ended up; ending up; ends up
: to reach or come to a place, condition, or situation that was not planned or expected
The book ended up in the trash.
He didn't want to end up like his father.
She ended up a rich woman.
He ended up (living) in a nursing home.
The movie we wanted to see was sold out so we ended up seeing a different one.

Examples of end up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
And just like the old-fashioned blowers, their blasts end up spreading dirt and dust and leaves well beyond their users’ targets. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2024 In fact, his son ended up having a small role in the film. Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 Chicago may be justifiably notorious for its government graft as nearly 40 aldermen, a city clerk, a treasurer and countless City Hall employees have all ended up behind bars over the past 50 years. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024 If Army and Navy end up playing for the American Athletic Conference title, which is becoming a real possibility—and, say, Boise State slips up—the winner of that game will have a chance at claiming it, however small. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for end up 

Dictionary Entries Near end up

Cite this Entry

“End up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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